Okay, but that's her job. I'm sorry I mentioned it. In my head, your book is already sold. That's how good you are.

It's like slathering on sunscreen to go outside for a walk and enjoy the day...my body doesn't have melanin, my soul has no confidence. So I apply both sunscreen and compliments generously so I can get through it.

See, this is a brilliant piece of writing right here.

Jilli, I don't know. I suspect, however, that the best writers (and even good writers) always question this, while the really crap writers always assume they are great.

Challenge #132 (things that go bump in the night) is now closed.

Challenge #133 is light bulbs.

Just as an exercise in taking a break from self-doubt, it'd be interesting to read what other people really like about their own writing.

Just as an exercise in taking a break from self-doubt, it'd be interesting to read what other people really like about their own writing.

I spent Saturday at an all-day workshop with Barbara Samuel, and she talked a lot about voice -- owning your own, discovering your own, etc. One of the things she emphasized was being able to own what you're good at.

And yet, I don't want to be the first one to do this, even though I love the idea. I don't know if that's a woman thing -- sounding "braggy" or too proud -- or if it circles right back to the Imposter Syndrome.

Ok. I'll go. Thinking....

While I'm thinking, I just got an email that my publication date has been pushed from Spring to August. I have no idea if that's a good or bad thing. And they're working on cover art.

I'm so nervous.

I know that my dialogue is always good. I've got an ear.

Cover art is so much fun.

Being pushed from spring to August is probably no big deal. A lot goes into maintaining a pub schedule -- juggling all the authors and production deadlines and probable sales, etc. Not something for you to worry about.

I should really just go ahead and post what I like about my writing, but somehow when I'm asked that question I go blank. Even on Saturday, in the workshop, I was thinking, "Um, I use commas correctly...?"

I think I can turn a phrase like no one's business.